Cold, wet and windy conditions forecast this week

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning of an approaching period of cold, wet, and windy weather expected to affect large parts of the country from today, May 4 to Thursday, May 7.

This change in weather is linked to a cut-off low-pressure system expected to make landfall over the western parts of South Africa from Tuesday morning. The system will initially impact the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape, before spreading eastward across the central and eastern interior from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning. A cut-off low is a slow-moving or stationary system that can result in prolonged severe weather in one area.

On May 4, isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over the central and western interior. Scattered thundershowers are likely over the Free State, Northern Cape, western parts of North West, as well as parts of the Eastern Cape and western regions of the Western Cape. Rainfall is expected to become more widespread along the south-west coast.

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There is a high likelihood of severe thunderstorms developing over the interior and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape from the afternoon onwards. These storms may bring heavy downpours leading to localised flooding, along with damaging winds, hail, and excessive lightning.

Significant weather impacts are expected along parts of the Eastern Cape coastline and adjacent interior on May 5 and 6 as well as over the eastern parts of the Western Cape from Tuesday afternoon through to Thursday, May 7.

Widespread rainfall is anticipated over the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, extending into the Free State. In some areas, 24-hour rainfall totals could exceed 100–200 mm, which may result in widespread flooding. Damaging winds and very rough sea conditions are also expected, particularly along the south coast of the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape coastline.

As the cut-off low moves across the country between Tuesday and Thursday, the following impacts are expected:

• Heavy rainfall may cause widespread flooding, mudslides, traffic disruptions and damage to roads and bridges, especially in the Eastern and Western Cape
• Strong winds could lead to power outages, damage to structures and fallen trees affecting transport routes
• Coastal waves of 5–7 metres may damage infrastructure, disrupt harbours, and cause storm surge along the southern coastline
• Snowfall over high-lying areas may result in livestock losses and mountain pass closures
• Severe thunderstorms in the Free State and North West may bring localised flooding, hail, and damage to settlements

The public is advised to:

• Exercise caution when travelling, especially in flood-prone areas or where visibility is reduced.
• Avoid crossing flooded roads and swollen streams.
• Secure loose outdoor items due to strong winds.
• Stay informed by following updates from SAWS through official communication platforms.

Members of the public and stakeholders are strongly urged to continuously monitor official SAWS forecasts and warnings, as these will be updated as conditions develop. The public is also advised to be cautious of unauthorised or unverified information and to avoid sharing such content.